For the third time in four years, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has vetoed legislation that would have allowed citizens to carry guns into public buildings and events, reports the Arizona Republic. Brewer also vetoed a bill that would have made local officials personally liable for passing gun statutes that are more restrictive than the state’s. Gun advocates said they will try again next year under a new governor, after Brewer leaves office.
Brewer vetoed House Bill 2339, which would have allowed guns in public buildings and events that do not provide security guards and metal detectors at each entrance. It did not apply to K-12 schools, community colleges or universities. She voiced concerns about the cost to local governments of meeting the requirements to keep guns out as well as the wisdom of allowing guns in certain public buildings. The personal liability measure, HB 2517, which would have added penalties to an existing state law that restricts cities, towns and counties from regulating firearms more strictly than the state.